[Hiring] Senior Policy Analyst @Ontario Native Women's Association

Role Description

The Senior Policy Analyst leads policy research, analysis, and development to provide strategic recommendations for improved public policy that supports the safety and well-being of Indigenous women and their families. Reporting to the Policy Manager, the Senior Policy Analyst provides evidence-based public policy leadership to support ONWA’s advocacy efforts and the ongoing development of culturally relevant policies, legislation, programs, and best practices.

• Conducts research and analysis of local, provincial, national, and international reports, policies, programs, initiatives, and economic trends that affect Indigenous women and their families.
• Examines existing and emerging legislation and policy developments to identify potential impacts, opportunities, and gaps affecting Indigenous women and their families.
• Develops decision-making documents, including business cases, briefing notes, discussion papers, submissions, and policy papers.
• Leads the development, coordination, and presentation of briefing materials, reports, recommendations, and presentations for ONWA management and senior leadership, as well as provincial and national partners, committees, and government representatives.
• Supports ONWA’s provincial, national, and international advocacy efforts and represents ONWA at relevant regional, provincial, national, and international committees, policy tables, and engagements.

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration, Public Affairs, Social Sciences, Women’s Studies, Indigenous Studies, or a related discipline. A Master’s degree is preferred.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible work experience in policy-related roles, including demonstrated experience working with Indigenous Peoples.
• Advanced policy analysis and development skills, with experience analyzing and/or developing policies that impact Indigenous Peoples.
• Demonstrated experience in the full policy development cycle, including research, critical analysis, options development, recommendations, and evidence-based decision-making using an Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis.
• Strong research, analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills, including the ability to identify policy gaps, assess limitations, formulate and defend positions, and propose innovative solutions.
• Experience in project management, including coordinating and managing cross-functional projects, developing work plans, establishing deliverables, monitoring progress, and completing reporting requirements.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare and deliver briefing notes, written submissions, policy papers, presentations, reports, and recommendations to a variety of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to provide strategic policy advice and recommendations to management, senior leadership, government representatives, committees, and external partners.
• Strong relationship-building, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement skills, including the ability to work effectively with multiple government departments, Indigenous organizations, communities, and not-for-profit organizations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and meet strict deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Office 365, databases, research tools, and other relevant technology.
• Ability to speak an Indigenous language is considered an asset.

Requirements

• In-depth knowledge and understanding of Indigenous issues, including the historical and ongoing impacts of colonialism, systemic racism, discrimination, and intergenerational trauma on Indigenous women and their families.
• Advanced knowledge of public policy development, legislative processes, government systems, and government administration at the municipal, provincial, federal, and/or international levels.
• Knowledge of Indigenous rights, human rights frameworks, and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
• Knowledge of Indigenous women's issues, including safety, violence prevention, justice, health, education, economic development, environmental stewardship, and social and cultural well-being.
• Understanding of Indigenous Gender-Based Analysis and the importance of applying an intersectional approach to policy research, analysis, and development.
• Knowledge of policy research methodologies, evidence-based decision-making, environmental scanning, and legislative and regulatory analysis.
• Understanding of the relationship between public policy, legislation, government funding, and the delivery of programs and services for Indigenous women and their families.
• Knowledge of current political, social, economic, cultural, and legislative developments affecting Indigenous women and their families.

Benefits

• Competitive salaries
• Generous paid vacation time
• Paid time off at Christmas above paid vacation time
• Additional paid stat and civic holidays
• 35-hour work week
• Comprehensive benefits program including health, paramedical, dental, vision, and EAP. All premiums are covered by the employer.
• Healthcare Spending Account and Lifestyle Spending Account
• Participate in CAAT defined benefit pension plan and retire with secure lifetime retirement income
• Paid sick days
• Paid cultural/personal wellness days
• Flexible scheduling to support work-life balance
• Ongoing professional development
• Possible reimbursement on a portion of cell phone and internet expenses